The Centre for Advanced and Applied Research (CAAR Scholars) has opened applications for its Junior Research Fellow Programme 2026, offering students, recent graduates, early-career researchers and young professionals an opportunity to strengthen their research and academic development skills.
The six-week programme is scheduled to commence in October 2026 and is designed to provide practical exposure to key areas of research, academic writing, data analysis, research ethics, publication and policy research.
The opportunity is particularly relevant to young people seeking to build a strong foundation in research while gaining exposure to experienced researchers and professionals working across different fields.
Applications are currently open, with interested candidates required to submit their applications by 25 September 2026.
The Junior Research Fellow Programme is an initiative of the Centre for Advanced and Applied Research (CAAR Scholars), a multidisciplinary research and policy institute focused on producing evidence-based solutions to development challenges in Ghana, Africa and beyond.
CAAR works at the intersection of research, policy and practical development, with areas of work including climate and sustainability, governance and policy, economic development, technology and artificial intelligence, environmental management, and business and finance.
The organisation describes its work as focused on bridging the gap between academic research and real-world application. Its activities include applied research, policy analysis, capacity building and stakeholder engagement.
The Junior Research Fellow Programme extends this focus to emerging researchers by providing structured training and opportunities to develop practical research competencies.
What Participants Will Learn
Selected participants will receive practical training across several areas that are important for academic, professional and policy-oriented research.
The programme will cover research methods, helping participants understand how research questions can be developed and investigated using appropriate methodologies.
Participants will also develop skills in academic writing, an essential competency for students and researchers preparing research papers, reports, literature reviews, policy documents and other scholarly outputs.
Another component will focus on data collection and analysis, giving participants exposure to processes involved in gathering, organising and interpreting research information.
The programme will additionally introduce participants to research ethics, helping them understand responsible approaches to conducting research and working with information, participants and communities.
Training will also cover publication and policy research, providing an understanding of how research can be developed into publishable outputs and translated into evidence that can inform decision-making.
Leadership and professional development will form another component of the programme, allowing participants to strengthen skills that can support their longer-term academic and professional careers.
Mentorship and Engagement with Researchers
Beyond formal training, participants will have opportunities to engage with experienced researchers and guest speakers.
This exposure can help emerging researchers gain a broader understanding of how research is conducted beyond the classroom. Interaction with established researchers and professionals can also provide opportunities to learn about research careers, academic development, publication and the relationship between evidence and policy.
For students and early-career professionals who are still developing their research interests, such engagement can be particularly valuable in understanding potential pathways within academia, development research and policy-related work.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to applicants from diverse academic and professional backgrounds.
Eligible groups include:
- Undergraduate students
- Postgraduate students
- Recent graduates
- Early-career researchers
- Young professionals
The programme is therefore not limited to individuals already working as professional researchers. Students and recent graduates interested in developing their research capacity are also encouraged to consider applying.
Applicants with interests spanning different academic and professional disciplines may benefit from the programme, particularly those seeking to develop research, writing, analytical and leadership competencies.
Why This Research Fellowship Matters
Research skills are increasingly important across academia, government, development organisations, think tanks, civil society and the private sector.
Strong research capabilities can help young professionals assess evidence, understand complex development challenges, communicate findings and contribute to informed decision-making.
For students, gaining practical exposure to research methods and academic writing can also strengthen preparation for postgraduate study and future research projects.
The programme’s combination of technical research training, academic development, policy research and leadership development makes it relevant to individuals seeking a broader understanding of how research can contribute to real-world impact.
CAAR’s wider work is focused on evidence-based research and policy impact across Ghana and West Africa, making the programme particularly relevant to emerging researchers interested in African development and applied research.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the CAAR Scholars Junior Research Fellow Programme 2026 is 25 September 2026.
The programme is scheduled to begin in October 2026 and will run for six weeks.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the programme information carefully and submit their applications before the stated deadline.
How to Apply
Interested students, graduates, early-career researchers and young professionals can apply through the official application link provided by CAAR Scholars.
Application link: https://bit.ly/46dJS5F
Applicants seeking additional information about the programme or partnership opportunities can contact CAAR Scholars by email
More information about the Centre for Advanced and Applied Research and its research activities is available through its official website.
